Bob Latchford

blue_aussie05 · April 7, 2015

Was lucky enough to see him play for us, although he certainly wasn't in his prime at the time.

Have heard loads of stories about the 30 goals he scored in 1977-78, and the understanding he had with Davie Thomas on the wing.

Despite not winning anything, I'd say he was a true club legend.

For those who were around during his time here, what are your favourite memories of him? For those who weren't around but have seen Youtube clips of him, do you think he looked a good player?

Discuss.

ijjysmith · April 7, 2015

Quite a bit in here mate. I didn't know much about him so asked a good while back:

https://www.grandoldteam.com/forum/threads/bob-latchford.42439/

An old thread though but you might find some of it interesting.

Eggs · April 7, 2015

......I suggest Bob was a bit of a hero for some during an era where there wasn't many. The legend tag is an individual opinion, I liked Latch but I don't consider him a legend in comparison to others I have seen in Blue. He was a top goalscorer and got his due recognition for England. My own favourite memory was the header he scored against West Ham in the semi final at Ellland Rd (despite the fact that we lost the game).

SH1958 · April 7, 2015

Well worth a couple of £ but only 1 left
http://www.amazon.co.uk/30-Story-La...4b-4f21-a751-5186f5e1d3d2&tag=localhost0c8-21

blue_aussie05 · April 7, 2015

Looked a quality striker, just a shame his injuries caught up with him by the time I starting watching us properly

blue_aussie05 · April 7, 2015

What was it about his play that you thought was good (apart from his goals, obviously)? He was good in the air and looked like he had a decent touch, but I've heard arguments that he was lazy. Is this true?

summerisle · April 7, 2015

His terrible beard ; his thirtieth goal. I had a camera and was clicking furiously when he took his penalty. Unfortunately I'm no David Bailey and when developed the photos showed everything except the pitch.

Blue Sky · April 7, 2015

Used to love it when Mick Lyons was playing up front with him , what a handful that pair were.

mrb85 · April 7, 2015

blue_aussie05 said:
What was it about his play that you thought was good (apart from his goals, obviously)? He was good in the air and looked like he had a decent touch, but I've heard arguments that he was lazy. Is this true?

Lazy? Let me quote something Duncan McKenzie once said on this subject. It was something like you always knew which were the HT and FT whistles because you'd see Bob move. Lets just say Bob didn't get many from outside the box.

summerisle · April 7, 2015

Blue Sky said:
Used to love it when Mick Lyons was playing up front with him , what a handful that pair were.

Even now the phrase Mick Lyons upfront depresses me

blue_aussie05 · April 7, 2015

Yes deffo, big Mick going up top usually meant we were desperate for a goal. It was never pretty

Blue Sky · April 7, 2015

blue_aussie05 said:
Yes deffo, big Mick going up top usually meant we were desperate for a goal. It was never pretty

No but effective

Steve Wigan · April 7, 2015

I wonder how many times the legendary commentator John Motson said in that big season '...Thomas...crosses....Latchford....one-nil'

summerisle · April 7, 2015

Blue Sky said:
No but effective

Hoof it 100 times in 10 minutes by the law of averages you'll get a chance - depressing to watch at times. Judging by his stats it was a law of diminishing return ; although he was our top scorer in 1973 !
http://www.evertonfpf.org/2011/06/mike-lyons/

davids · April 7, 2015

mrb85 said:
Lazy? Let me quote something Duncan McKenzie once said on this subject. It was something like you always knew which were the HT and FT whistles because you'd see Bob move. Lets just say Bob didn't get many from outside the box.

The idea of forwards tracking back wasn't really the big subject of discussion those days.He knew where the ball needed to go,and that summed his game up.